It turns out clear lipliner is what was missing from my lip routine. I take my red lipsticks very seriously, and Stila’s Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso has quickly become a fave. My only complaint is that it’s a bit tricky to apply in a hurry without making a mess. I’m always rushing in the morning, and I was starting to feel like I was getting Beso everywhere but on my lips. Enter my new smooch saver: Quo’s Clean Slate Clear Lip Liner. At first glance, I didn’t really see the point of a clear lipliner…I mean, it’s CLEAR…but then I realized that this product is actually a stroke of genius.

Now, before I reach for my liquid lippy, I always start with a prep step. My trusty clear lipliner helps me define my lips and create a barrier that prevents lipstick from slipping. (Buh-bye red streaks on my chin and cheeks!) And I’m not the only one that thinks clear lipliner is essential to a perfect pout: Fellow blogger Ashley discussed her favourite lipliner here. Another reason to love clear lipliner? It doesn’t leave you with a ring of colour around your lips when your lipstick fades (some beauty trends are better left in 1995, am I right?).

Once I’ve prepped my pout, I’m ready to fill in my lips with the perfect red. Beso is smooth and creamy, but dries to a matte finish–and it can pretty much withstand three square meals and countless coffee breaks. ICYMI, I’ve previously rounded up more of my favourite red liquid lipsticks.